Derek McInnes insists Celtic draw was no smash and grab as he reveals Kilmarnock belief role reversal

Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes says his side’s point at Parkhead was no smash and grab raid.

The Ayrshire club fully merited a 1-1 draw against Celtic thanks to David Watson’s late equaliser. McInnes’ men were the better side in the second half after falling behind to Kyogo Furuhashi’s opener. Afterwards, he heaped praise on his team then urged them to say fourth top of the Premiership table. McInnes said: “There were opportunities for us today and Joe Hart made a couple of really good saves.It might be a bit greedy to say we deserved to win but we had chances to do it.

“It didn’t feel like a smash and grab today where we’ve had to defend for 90 minutes then nick a goal. It wasn’t that at all. We had to suffer in the first half at times but we dealt with Celtic’s wide players really well today. At 1-0 you’re always in the game. I’ve come here with poorer teams and got a result.

“But I got belief from these players and we picked an attacking team. And the strength of my bench was evident today, not only with wee David having a big moment after coming on.

"Just being able to change it was big for us and that hasn’t always been the case. With subs a lot of the time you get freshens but not anything different.

“Today felt like we got something a bit different at the right time", he added. “I was pleased with the goal, then you have to remind yourself there’s someone in a studio along the road checking it so you can’t over-celebrate.

The longer it went, you always fear but it was a great moment for us. It’s great for the supporters and the players and it reinforced our belief. We’ve had one defeat in 13 now and that was at Ibrox.

“We’re a competitive side and today we showed quality, energy and pressing at the right time. We